LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 11

Edward's POV

We all stood as the judge entered the courtroom, a sign of respect. I glanced at my mother—strong, composed, and determined. She had always been resilient, and today was no different. My father and I were here for her, standing by her side as she faced this trial head-on.

The judge took their seat, and the court was called to order.

"Your Honor, as we await the submission of the autopsy results, I would like to call Mr. Erin to the stand," I said firmly.

Mr. Erin, Anderson's assistant, approached the witness stand and was sworn in.

"You are Mr. Erin, the assistant of Mr. Anderson, correct?" I asked.

"Yes," Erin responded quietly, his gaze shifting nervously.

"Mr. Erin, you've sworn to tell the truth today, correct?"

"Yes, I will be honest."

I nodded. "Let's start with something recent. Yesterday, a young woman named Sia, who worked for Mr. Anderson, tragically took her own life. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's true," Erin replied, his voice barely audible.

"And what about the rape case involving Sia? Is it true that Mr. Anderson was responsible for that?"

There was a pause before Erin answered. "Yes... he did." His voice faltered.

Suddenly, Anderson erupted from his seat. "What is this? Why are you lying?" He shouted, his face flushed with panic.

"Objection, Your Honor," Amelia interjected. "This is pure accusation without proof."

I remained calm and composed. "Your Honor, Mr. Erin was Mr. Anderson's closest confidant. If anyone knows the truth, it's him. He's already admitted Anderson's guilt. This man is capable of anything."

"Your Honor, Mr. Erin's testimony alone is not enough evidence," Amelia countered.

"Silence in the court!" The judge said, stopping the debate. "Miss Amelia, wait your turn. Mr. Edward, please continue."

I turned back to Erin. "Mr. Erin, aside from the rape, are there other crimes Mr. Anderson has committed that you are aware of?"

Erin hesitated before answering. "He... he's used corruption to get what he wants. If people don't cooperate, he finds a way to make them."

I nodded. "Your Honor, Mr. Anderson is guilty of corruption as well. His greed knows no bounds." I paused, locking eyes with Erin. "Now, tell me, does Mr. Anderson often speak about Mr. Williams?"

Erin swallowed hard. "Yes, he does. He would always talk about how unfair it was that your father gave equal shares of the company to  Williams and his brother. He believed they both didn't deserve it, especially since they're not involved in the company like he and his sons are. He cursed you both regularly."

I looked toward the judge. "Your Honor, it's clear that Mr. Anderson's hatred and greed drove him to commit this heinous act. He resented Williams because of the shares and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, just as his assistant testified."

The judge nodded, taking notes. "Thank you, Mr. Edward. Miss Amelia, you may question the witness."

Amelia stood, approaching Erin with a measured calmness. "Thank you, Your Honor. Mr. Erin, you've worked for Mr. Anderson for a long time, haven't you?"

"Yes," Erin replied, looking confident. "Almost 15 years."

"So, you would say you're very loyal to him?" Ammy asked, circling the courtroom slowly.